Love like Lay

There are those days, events in your life that you'll always remember what you were doing, where you were, what you were feeling when your life was forever changed. For older generations it was Pearl Harbor. For my generation it was 911. And for our family it was the death of our beautiful Leighton on September 21, 2013. Leighton was an amazimg soul, and we are so blessed to have lived with and learned from and loved her. She is the young girl that everyone wants to be friends with, that you want your son to marry, and that you want your daughter to grow up to be like. I am so thankful that she met and loved on my children so hard, but I'm saddened that they will not grow up to know her. I am comforted that her spirit lives on in us and that she taught us so much during her short life that they will know her through us.

Kirby and Susanna Rose, your cousin smiled the most radiant smile, laughed so much, and loved hard. Her actions were truly Christ-like. You have so much to learn from her, and if you both grow up to be even half the young person that she was, I will be one proud momma. She was that awesome. That amazing. That beautiful. She is in our hearts, and we will make certain that you know the spirit of your cousin, Leighton. Our Sweet LayLay.  What an honor it has been for her  to call me aunt and to always greet me with a big hug and that sweet giggle.  

Little did she know that on her drive home one weekend, she was headed Home. And I find peace that she has seen Jesus' face and is looking down on us and will forever be our guardian angel.  

Watch over my babies, Lay Lay. I love you and miss you so much.